Derry City moved into top spot in the Premier Division following their fourth victory on the bounce after easily seeing off bottom side UCD.
Leading 1-0 at the break thanks to Jordan McEneff's early strike, second-half goals from Michael Duffy (2) and Matthew Ward sealed the win, with Adam Wells netting a consolation goal for the Students.
As well as taking advantage of Shamrock Rovers' shock home defeat to Drogheda, the Candystripes had a host of other positives, from the game with Will Patching and Michael Duffy linking up well throughout.
Ruaidhrí Higgins' men started on the front foot and deservedly took the lead on 13 minutes as Duffy's left- wing cross found an unmarked McEneff, who headed home from close range despite Kian Moore's best attempts at trying to keep the effort out.
Minutes later, Moore made a stunning save, diving to his right to tip Will Patching's powerful 20 yard drive over the bar.
The Students were forced into a change just before the half-hour mark as Donal Higgins replaced Jesse Dempsey.
Derry went close twice in quick succession on 33 minutes as firstly Duffy's shot was tipped around the post by Moore and the Derry winger's resulting corner found McEneff at the back post, but his side footed shot hit the upright.
Incredibly, the Dubliners had to make another change on 35 minutes as Colin Bolton replaced Samuel Clarke.
McEneff should have scored a second on 42 minutes as Patching's clever through ball released the midfielder but, after steadying himself inside the box, he dragged the shot well off target.
📹 | A neat passing move ends with Jordan McEneff heading Derry City in front v UCD 🔴⚪️#LOI | #DERUCD pic.twitter.com/2Ihk2sjq3m
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 19, 2023
Derry doubled their advantage on 50 minutes after a sublime piece of skill by Patching, the former Manchester City starlet's superb back flick picked out Duffy inside the box and the winger blasted past Moore.
Soon after, the home side were inches away from scoring a third as Ciaran Coll's left-wing centre found McGonigle, but the striker's first-time strike was kept out by the fortunate Moore, who didn't know too much about the save.
Derry did score a third on 64 minutes after another flowing move Brandon Kavanagh found Duffy, who raced clear before coolly finishing past Moore.
UCD pulled a goal back on 76 minutes as Wells fired home from close range, after Derry failed to clear their lines properly.
Minutes later, Brian Maher had to make a smart save to keep out Matthew Alonge's close-range flick and the Derry goalkeeper was grateful Colin Bolton's follow-up strike was straight at him.
Derry did score a fourth on 84 minutes as Ipswich Town loanee Ward turned the ball home from close range, after fellow substitute Ryan Graydon saw his goalbound effort fall perfectly into the winger's path.
Derry City: Brian Maher, Ronan Boyce, Ciaran Coll, Cameron McJannet, Ben Doherty (Shane McEleney HT); Cameron Dummigan (Sadou Diallo 66), Will Patching (Adam O'Reilly 879, Jordan McEneff; Brandon Kavanagh (Ryan Graydon 66), Jamie McGonigle (Sean Patton 74), Michael Duffy (Matthew Ward 74).
UCD: Kian Moore, Michael Gallagher (Harry O'Connor 77), Adam Wells, Jack Keaney, Ciaran Behan, Alex Nolan (Matthew Alonge 77), Jesse Dempsey (Donal Higgins 28), Samuel Clarke (Colin Bolton 36), Daniel Norris, Luke O'Regan (Harvey O'Brien 65), Jake Doyle.
Referee: Eoghan O'Shea (Dublin)
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